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Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Nikon Introduces the Coolpix S500

Building on the success of the COOLPIX Style Series of digital cameras, Nikon is pleased to introduce the S500. Boasting 7.1 megapixels, a 3x Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, VR Image Stabilization technologies, and sleek metal body, this camera exudes high performance and exquisite design. The camera features a classic camera design as the lens extends from the camera’s body when the cameras is turned on; the S500 is constructed from stainless steel.

Advanced Performance
Advanced performance is particularly pronounced in the S500. Among compact digital cameras, the COOLPIX S500 is fast; start up time is an amazing 0.6 seconds and shutter lag, in release priority mode, is just 0.005 seconds.

“With the S500, Nikon is further distinguishing itself as a leader in compact camera design and innovation,” says Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “This camera has packed style and performance into a sleek, metal body, allowing even the most style-savvy consumer to enjoy the ease and quality of COOLPIX technology.”

Optical VR Image Stabilization
In addition to the aforementioned features, the COOLPIX S500 features several imaging innovations designed to encourage carefree shooting for the consumer. The S500 features Optical VR Image Stabilization, a feature that compensates for camera shake ensuring sharp images at shutter speeds up to three times slower than would normally be possible. The S500 has High ISO capabilities; up to iSO 2000, ideal for capturing images in low-light situations. The S500 features a new Anti-Shake button, located on the top of the camera, which activates high ISO, VR and Best Shot Selector (BSS) at the same time to produce clearer results in low light or at telephoto zoom settings.

Bright, High Resolution 2.5” LCD Display with 16:9 Ratio
For image sharing, the S500 has an incredible, bright, high resolution 2.5 inch LCD monitor with an anti-reflective coating, easing the composition of photos, even in direct sunlight. It also has a 16:9 aspect ratio option, making it perfect for sharing images via a high-definition television.

New Menu Interface
In order to simplify the picture taking process, Nikon has incorporated a new menu interface into the S500, employing illustrated help dialogs for easy navigation and mode selection. This menu also provides direct access to Nikon’s triad of Image Innovations; in-camera functions for enhancing or correcting images including:

• In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™: automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common problem that occurs in flash photography.
• Face-Priority AF*: automatically finds and focuses on a persons face within the frame, providing sharp focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subject is positioned in the frame.
• D-Lighting: in playback, the user selects and creates a copy of images with excessive backlight or insufficient flash illumination, adding light and detail where necessary.


• These features can be activated by pressing the One-Touch portrait button, located on the top of the camera.

Nikon’s Exclusive PictureProject Software
The COOLPIX S500 comes bundled with Nikon’s exclusive PictureProject software. The PictureProject software is powerful and user-friendly and makes transferring, organizing, editing and sharing photos a snap. Both cameras are SDHC compatible and utilize the new ultra-compact EN-EL10 rechargeable Li-ion battery.

The COOLPIX S500 will be available at photo-specialty stores nationwide in March 2007 at an MSRP of $299.95. For more information about these and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikondigital.com.

* Face-recognition capability may be limited in some shooting conditions.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s In-camera Innovations, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.